Proud that we grabbed three points, asserts Thomas Brdaric

The German tactician saw his side come from behind to beat ATK Mohun Bagan FC.

ATK Mohun Bagan FC hosted Thomas Brdaric's Chennaiyin FC in match 4 of the Indian Super League 2022-23 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Indian striker Manvir Singh scored the night's opening goal for Chennaiyin FC in the 27th minute to hand them a 1-0 lead in the game. Chennaiyin FC’s foreign recruit Kwame Karikari converted a penalty at the 62nd to level the scores. 

Chennaiyin FC striker Rahim Ali put one into the back of the net in the 82nd minute to ensure Marina Machans bag three full points from their ISL 2022-23 season opener. CFC head coach Thomas Brdaric addressed the media after the game.

On the first half

Chennaiyin FC coach Thomas Brdaric was all praise for his team as they bagged three full points after ATK Mohun Bagan, who is a tougher opponent. He was also elated as the team made the owners and fans happy by winning their season opener. 

"We are very proud that we grabbed three points from today's tough game. ATK has one of the best squads and to win here is a big success for us. I was a bit surprised to see some simple mistakes. We should take this experience to our advantage and play better next time. Travelling back to Chennai with three points in the pocket is the most important thing," he said.

On Debjit’s performance

Chennaiyin FC coach praised goalkeeper Debjit Majumder and highlighted that despite conceding a goal in the first half, he saved several shots from the opponent’s players. 

“I mean to take it out, one player that's not fair. Team performance is importantly to what I agreed and what I ask and what I expect for and to implement in the game.”

On Fallou being substituted

When asked why Fallou Diagne was substituted at the end of the first half, the CFC coach said: “Fallou, want to protect him as he is an important player. How many minutes he’s playing is very important for us.”

He also stated that he told the team that he has belief in them winning the game despite being a goal behind during half-time.

"I felt the game will change in the second half. During the half-time break, I told the players that we can bounce back in the game. And they did a pretty good job to change the result," Thomas Brdaric added.

On Kwame’s performance tonight

Chennaiyin FC tactician was happy with Kwame Karikari’s performance against ATK Mohun Bagan. He praised the player and was happy to have him in the squad. Thomas also stated that the other players who are on the bench can make a difference for the club when they are subbed in.

“As I said, Kari is a very important player. He should make differences. We know about his qualities and I'm very happy that we have brought him in our squad.”

Chennaiyin FC will next take on Bengaluru FC at home on Friday, October 14. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai hosts the match between the South Indian clubs.